Getting a master’s degree in communications may seem like it will land you in a lot of debt without a lot of career options, but that is not true at all. A master’s degree in communications is actually very beneficial to just about any career path you might choose. There are many interesting careers that are greatly enhanced by an extensive knowledge of effective communication skills. This guide lists five interesting jobs you can get with a master’s in communications.
1. Speech Writing
Being a speechwriter is both exciting and full of responsibility. A communications degree, alongside an interest in psychology, English, journalism or politics, gives you an excellent set of qualifications to become a speechwriter. Speechwriters are typically tasked with preparing speeches for mid-level or senior executives, politicians and various high-level elected officials. Good speechwriters must be able to work under strict deadlines, be good listeners and accept constructive criticism in addition to utilizing their communications skills.
2. Risk Management
Everyone knows that communication needs change drastically in the midst of a crisis. If you have a gift for communicating effectively during tense or emotionally-charged situations, you may have a promising career in risk management. This job requires a calm, level head to help develop and implement communication solutions that will prevent high-profile risk situations and brewing crises from escalating. Organizations like The Center For Risk Communication combine professional communication skills with applied sciences to deliver risk-mitigating protocols to all manner of groups and communities.
3. Mediator
Mediators can work in a number of fields, including law and politics. Mediators must be able to utilize a broad range of communication techniques to solve problems and find peaceful resolutions for every situation presented to them. The best mediators are able to listen well, read body language and gain the trust of both parties. A mediator’s primary goal is to help both parties find common ground and develop a creative, workable solution to whatever dispute is brought to the table. Training in the field of communications is excellent preparation for a career as a mediator.
4. Mental Health Worker
While becoming a psychiatrist requires extensive medical training, many other jobs in the field of mental health do not. Often, those with degrees in communications make excellent guidance counselors, social workers, grief counselors, therapists and community health advocates. A master’s degree in communications is a great asset to many careers in the mental health community because you will be equipped with the necessary skills to connect with your patients, even if they have communication issues.
5. Talk Show Host
If you enjoy the spotlight, becoming a talk show host might just be the perfect career for you. In this age of hyper-connectivity, you have plenty of options when it comes to your show’s medium of choice. Whether you decide to host a podcast, a radio show, a television show or a Web stream, the full range of your communications skills will be put to use. The best talk show hosts are entertaining and well-spoken with good interviewing skills. Another important attribute of a successful talk show host is the ability to carry on an interesting, intelligent conversation no matter who the guest is. The best part about becoming a talk show host is that you have the option to either work for someone else or go into business for yourself.
Graduating with a master’s in communications opens a number of doors in an extensive list of fields. The five jobs listed here are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to interesting and lucrative career options for communications majors.
See also: How Do I Know if a Degree in Communications is Right for Me?